The apparel industry in Sri Lanka is the largest single employer in the manufacturing industry providing employment to lakhs of workers including a substantial number of women. It accounts for 40 per cent of total exports. Around 350 garment factories are operating in different parts of Sri Lanka and there are around 16 textile and fabric manufacturing units in the country.
Apparel categories include sportswear, lingerie, lounge wear, bridal wear, work wear, swimwear, children’s wear. The US and the United Kingdom have been the largest buyers of Sri Lankan apparel throughout the decades. The industry supplies high quality garments to brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Liz Claiborne, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, Marks & Spencer.
Sri Lanka has emerged as South Asia’s fashion and logistics hub. The country’s top three apparel companies are already among the world’s 50 most important suppliers. The industry has earned over $3 billion in export revenue for five consecutive years. The Made in Sri Lanka label is synonymous worldwide with high quality, reliability, social and environmental accountability. Garment makers work hand in hand with customers in forecasting trends and creating new customized ranges with innovative techniques.
Leading textile universities in Lanka turn out highly qualified graduates each year, and talented individuals are exposed to the limelight through a number of local design festivals and trade shows.
